[1.03] City Gone Made
The initial civil unrest and outbreaks of riots are quelled quickly, thanks to swift action by the Korvosan Guard, the Sable Company, and even a squad of Hellknights. By the time the the group approaches Castle Korvosa to return the brooch, the streets are again relatively safe to walk, but a thick tension remains in the air. There are still spontaneous bouts of arson, rioting and looting but overall it feels like most of the pressure has been released and the city is on its way to calming down.
As a terrifying testament to the power of whatever mighty overlord ruled this land thousands of years ago, Castle Korvosa’s long shadow looms over the city. A magnificent achievement of architecture, the castle walls and spires rise high into the sky above. The entire structure looms even higher for its ancient foundation—a Thassilonian ruin in the shape of an immense flat-topped pyramid. Although one corner of this impressive foundation has fallen into ruin, the additions built onto the sides by eager and talented Korvosan masons have created one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of Varisia.
Castle Korvosa can be approached from all four directions—ramps or stairways allow access up the sides of the pyramid to the courtyard surrounding the central structure. Normally, petitioners to the monarchy (such as civilians seeking to return a stolen brooch) would approach from the Great Ramp, wait in the Public Courtyard to speak to the Korvosan Guards on duty, and hope for a chance to be heard. In these frantic times, the Castle itself has been locked tight and bristles with pikes and crossbows.
Guards demand to know the group's business at the end of weapons. They are standoffish and ready to run the group down until the brooch is displayed and then they are hurriedly waved through the checkpoint. This repeats several times as they penetrate several layers of defenses and finally on the inside a guard captain tells them to head up the stairs into the courtyard.
"Your weapons must be left here. No arguments, no exceptions. They'll be stored safe and returned upon your exit but you'll be meeting with the Queen herself. Runner came on ahead and shared the news that her brooch had been found and she wishes to reward your honesty and courage personally. Therefore, like I said, no weapons. Period."
He nods and a couple guards come forward with oiled cloths to wrap up offered weapons securely.